B’nai B’rith International has opened its Disaster Relief Fund to help the victims of the unprecedented Colorado wildfires that have brought devastation to countless communities. Since the wildfires began, the Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs has destroyed nearly 350 homes, the High Park fire has destroyed nearly 260 homes, and others have damaged dozens more. More than 30,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.

The U.S. Forest Service has warned that the fires may not be under control until mid-July.

“B’nai B’rith has helped disaster victims since 1865. We carefully evaluate needs and provide assistance during the immediate threat, but, just as importantly, we are there to help after the threat has subsided and when the rebuilding begins,” said B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs.

B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund aided victims of the 2012 tornadoes in the South and Midwest; supplied aid to victims of the famine in East Africa, the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti; and provided humanitarian assistance to the Somali refugees fleeing violent conflict to Kenya.

“Our hearts go to all those affected in Colorado. As the United States and many parts of the world face extreme weather conditions that can impact our communities through natural disasters, B’nai B’rith is poised to respond. We will work with representatives of agencies and our members on the ground, to provide assistance,” B’nai B’rith Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said.